The book titled, "A Shot at History My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold" was co-authored by journalist and sports writer Rohit Brijnath.

The book, which took two years to complete, is divided into 21 chapters. It starts with the disappointment of the 2004 Athens Olympics and goes on to describe, moment by moment, the path to Bindra's glory in 2008 Beijing Games.

Even though it has been formally launched this evening, the 260-page book, which is published by HarperCollins and includes a 16-page photo feature, has already hit the bookstores across the country on October 20.

"Writing, obviously, is a difficult thing from shooting. It gave me an opportunity to go back to my past. I hope it will inspire youngsters to achieve their goals," Bindra said.

On the occasion, the sports minister said the ace shooter's feat at the Beijing Olympics will always be a silver lining for Indian sports.

"There are lots of pictures of sporting legends framed in the (sports) ministry walls and down the years I am sure some pictures will go and newer ones will come. But if there is one picture which will stay 100 years from today, it will be of Abhinav Bindra," Maken said.